khazouri

I just got this 1999 F150 w/ 4.2l v6 automatic from an auction with 178 k miles on it -- yikes! Anhyhoo, on the drive home, it ran horribly. Symptoms are as follows:

Rough idle

Shuddering/sputtering/lack of power at high speed and on take off, better with OD off (at high speeds)

Smokes when sputtering

I have read that there are a number of issues that could cause this, but it sounds like coil packs/plugs would be a good place to start. So, let's say it is coil pack(s), then I have the following questions:

1. What codes should I expect (did not have time to scan today)
2. How do you replace the coil packs and plugs (I am neophyte when it comes to this stuff).
3. Let's say it's the torque converter, is that something I can do myself without a lift?

I looked in the how-to section and could not find anything on replacing the COPS. Thanx in advance for the help.

TheJMC

New plugs and wires are most likely needed. I would start there before spending money on coil packs. Wait till it is dark and start the engine and spray the wires with a light mist of water. if you see a light show it is a sure sine that the wires are defective. After that I would suspect carbon build up in the EGR passages? Remove intake manifold and clean. But do the others first.

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02flaresidesport

I know on my 02, there is just one coil pack held on by some small screws. It should be that hard, if you know that is what it is. I finally got my check engine light off today. I had to replace my entire exhaust, manifolds etc. Im only at 130k.

khazouri

Did the plugs and wires today. There are no coil packs on the 1999 v6 4.2l, just the coil bank with the six wires attached.

The new plugs and wires fixed everything -- it runs great now. I'll do the fuel filter and get the bottom of the EGR code at some point in the future.

Thanx to all for your replies ...